In today's digital age, screens have become an inseparable component of our daily routines, particularly for college students. Whether attending online lectures, hunting for discount contact lenses, or scrolling through social media feeds, the average student dedicates a substantial part of their day to screen interaction. This heightened screen time presents distinct challenges for those who wear contact lenses. This article delves into the impact of extended digital exposure on the comfort of contact lenses and sheds light on the phenomenon of digital eye strain, offering actionable tips for alleviation.
Understanding Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, encompasses a range of eye and vision-related problems resulting from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and smartphone use. Symptoms include dryness, irritation, blurred vision, and even headaches. For contact lens wearers, these symptoms can be exacerbated, leading to increased discomfort.
Digital eye strain, a prevalent issue in our tech-driven world, arises from a combination of factors that challenge our visual system. Here's a deeper dive into these factors:
Blink Rate: Engaging with digital screens often leads to a phenomenon where individuals blink less frequently. On average, a person blinks about 15-20 times per minute. However, when engrossed in digital tasks, this rate can drop by half. Blinking plays a pivotal role in maintaining the eye's health by refreshing the tear film, which nourishes and hydrates the eye's surface. A reduced blink rate means that the tear film evaporates more quickly, leading to dryness. For contact lens wearers, this can be particularly problematic. The lenses can become dry and stick to the eye's surface, causing discomfort and potential vision disturbances.
Screen Proximity: The digital age has brought screens closer to our eyes than ever before. Whether it's a smartphone, tablet, or e-reader, these devices are often held at a much closer distance than traditional reading materials. Additionally, the small fonts and graphics require our eyes to work harder to focus, leading to potential strain. Over time, consistently holding screens too close can challenge our eyes' focusing system, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
Blue Light: Digital screens, especially LED screens, emit a significant amount of blue light. While blue light in natural environments (like from the sun) helps regulate our sleep and wake cycles, excessive exposure from screens can have adverse effects. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to blue light can strain the eyes and potentially contribute to retinal damage. Moreover, blue light exposure during the evening can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for sleep regulation. This disruption can lead to difficulties in falling asleep and overall reduced sleep quality.
Effects on Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wearers often report increased discomfort during prolonged screen usage. The reduced blink rate can cause the lens to dry out faster, leading to a feeling of grittiness or a foreign body sensation in the eye. Additionally, the eyes may become red, and vision may become blurred. Over time, consistently ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe eye health issues.
Tips for Mitigating the Effects of Screen Time
For contact lens wearers looking to combat the effects of digital eye strain, consider the following tips:
20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something at least 20 feet away. This simple practice can significantly reduce eye strain.
Adjust Screen Settings: Increase text size for easier reading. Adjust the screen brightness and contrast to ensure that it's not too bright or too dim compared to your surroundings.
Mind Your Posture: Ensure that your screen is at eye level or slightly below, reducing the need to strain your neck and eyes. Your screen should also be about an arm's length away.
Consider Blue Light Filters: Many devices now offer settings or accessories that reduce blue light emissions. Alternatively, consider computer glasses with blue light filtering capabilities.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body—and by extension, your eyes—hydrated. This can help maintain a healthy tear film.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops: For those days when screen time is unavoidable, keep lubricating eye drops handy. Ensure they are compatible with contact lenses and use them as needed to refresh your eyes.
Regular Eye Exams: Regular check-ups with an optometrist can help detect and address any issues early on. If digital eye strain symptoms persist, your optometrist might recommend a different type of contact lens or a specialized lens coating to reduce glare and strain.
Limit Screen Time: While this might seem challenging, especially for college students, it's essential to take breaks. Instead of scrolling through social media during breaks, consider a short walk or a non-digital activity.